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Course Hero. (2017, November 15). How to Win Friends and Influence People Study Guide. In Course Hero. Retrieved November 19, 2018, from https://www.coursehero.com/lit/How-to-Win-Friends-and-Influence-People/

How to Win Friends and Influence People |
Part 1, Chapter 1 : Fundamental Techniques in Handling People ("If You Want to Gather Honey, Don't Kick Over the Beehive") | Summary

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Key Takeaways

Even murderers like Al Capone may not blame themselves for their actions, thinking they are justified or even doing the world a favor. "People don't criticize themselves for anything, no matter how wrong it may be," the author writes.

There is no point in criticizing because it makes people defensive, hurts their pride, and creates resentment.

Rewarding people for good behavior is more effective than punishing for bad behavior.

Persons criticized often react by justifying themselves and returning criticism to the person criticizing them.

Influenced by their circumstances, people "are just what we would be under similar circumstances."

One technique to relieve the desire to criticize others is to write a letter and not send it.

To "change and regulate and improve" someone, "why not begin on yourself?"

Even if a criticism is clearly true or justified, people are not "creatures of logic." They often react emotionally, from feelings of "pride and vanity."

People should strive to be "understanding and forgiving" of others by controlling the need to criticize.

Parents should not overcriticize children. Children do not have the same judgment or experience as adults and can't be expected to act like adults.